The Wolverines’ heavily-covered coaching search to replace former coach Sherrone Moore — who was fired on Dec. 10 after the university found ‘compelling evidence’ he was engaged in an inappropriate relationship — has netted the program former Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham.

Whittingham is viewed as an immediate upgrade for the Wolverines, not only for his long-standing success at Utah across 22 seasons, but also for his sterling off-the field record — a stark contrast to Moore, who was arrested on the same day as his firing and, on Dec. 12, was officially charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering.

Whittingham has not been tied to any major scandals, and will be tasked with helping restore the reputation for a Michigan program that, despite its standing as one of college football’s most storied institutions, has been mired in controversy for several years, including under Moore’s predecessor, Jim Harbaugh.

With Michigan and Whittingham reportedly finalizing their deal to send the Utes coach to Ann Arbor, Michigan, here’s what to know about his reported contract, salary details and more:

Kyle Whittingham contract details

According to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press — part of the USA TODAY Network — Michigan has agreed to a five-year deal. According to a report by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the contract is 75% guaranteed.

Kyle Whittingham salary at Michigan

Per Thamel, Whittingham’s contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $8.2 million over the lifetime of the contract. He is expected to make $8 million in salary in 2026. According to data from USA TODAY’s coaching salary database, Whittingham in 2025 made $6.925 million. That ranked 33rd among coaches at public universities.

Using the same database, Whittingham’s reported 2026 salary would rank 21st among all college football coaches at public institutions. It would rank eighth among the Big Ten’s coaches.

Kyle Whittingham age

Whittingham, born Nov. 21, 1959, is 66 years old. He will be 71 years old at the end of his coaching contract at Michigan, assuming he remains employed at the university for its entire duration.

In what was a largely defensive game, the Golden Gophers won offensively with a walk-off, 12-yard touchdown pass from Drake Lindsey to Jalen Smith to defeat New Mexico 20-17 in the Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26 inside Chase Field in Phoenix.

It is the ninth consecutive bowl win for the Gophers, and the first win for the Big Ten Conference in the Rate Bowl — which traditionally features a Big Ten vs. Big 12 matchup — since Wisconsin defeated Oklahoma State in 2022.

The Gophers elected to take the ball second in overtime, and it proved to be the right decision as Lindsey and Co. only needed a touchdown to win the game after New Mexico was held to a field goal. Lindsey’s game-winning TD to Smith marked the second time he connected with the redshirt freshman wide receiver on the afternoon.

The Lobos finish their first season under first-year coach Jason Eck with a 9-4 record, the most wins they’ve recorded since 2016.

With its offense cold for a majority of the second half, New Mexico was able to get itself back in the game with Damon Bankston’s 100-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter. Bankston’s score turned out to be a momentum switcher, as the Lobos’ defense came up with three consecutive three-and-outs to help force overtime.

Lindsey completed 18-of-28 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, while Minnesota running back Darius Taylor recorded his third bowl game with at least 100 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne completed 14-of-25 passes for 88 yards, with an interception.

The win for Minnesota improves its record in bowl games under P.J. Fleck to a perfect 7-0, and 2-0 in the Rate Bowl.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, scores and highlights of the game:

New Mexico vs Minnesota score

Minnesota-New Mexico Rate Bowl highlights

Here’s a compilation of highlights from Minnesota’s win over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday:

New Mexico vs Minnesota live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Final score (OT): Minnesota 20, New Mexico 17

Minnesota wins Rate Bowl with TD pass

Drake Lindsey connects with Jalen Smith for the game-winning, diving touchdown catch to give Minnesota the 20-17 overtime win in the Rate Bowl.

New Mexico hits FG in first overtime

New Mexico attempts to pick up the first down by sending out James Laubstein for the quarterback keeper, but he is stuffed at the line. Lobos hit the 36-yard field goal to take a brief 17-14 lead.

Next up will be the Minnesota offense, where the Gophers can win the game with a touchdown.

Minnesota wins toss, New Mexico up first

Minnesota wins the coin toss and elects to send its defense out first in overtime. It will be New Mexico’s offense out first.

End of fourth quarter: Minnesota 14, New Mexico 14

New Mexico sacks Minnesota to force overtime

Keyshawn James-Newby sacks Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey for a loss of 5 yards to force overtime at the Rate Bowl. It’s the second sack of the afternoon for New Mexico’s defense.

Minnesota gets ball back

Jack Layne’s screen pass to Keagan Johnson is batted down by Anthony Smith, and Minnesota will get the ball back with an opportunity to win it. Both teams’ defenses have traded third-down stops on seven of the nine drives in the second half.

Minnesota has one timeout remaining after burning two early in the third quarter. Gophers start on their own 15-yard line with 56 seconds remaining.

New Mexico gets stop

It’s a three-and-out for Minnesota for the third consecutive drive, and New Mexico gets another shot at putting together a potential game-winning drive. The Gophers started each of their last two drives at the New Mexico 40-yard line and their own 49-yard line and created just six total yards of offense.

Minnesota punts

New Mexico’s failed fake punt attempt ends up not hurting the Lobos (for now), as Minnesota elects to punt instead of attempting a long field goal attempt. Which team can rely on and find success with their running may win this game.

New Mexico fails fake punt attempt

Minnesota comes up with a stop on fourth-down as Anthony Smith sacks DeShaun Buchanan for a loss of 10 yards on a fake punt attempt. It’s a costly trick play by New Mexico, as Minnesota takes over at the Lobos’ 40-yard line with 7:46 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The failed trick play comes right after Jack Layne was unable to pick up the first down with the quarterback keeper. Minnesota now looks for the go-ahead score in the Rate Bowl.

New Mexico gets stop, Minnesota punts

New Mexico’s defense gets the stop it needs, and Minnesota punts the ball back to the Lobos. The Gophers were unable to regroup from consecutive penalties that moved them back 20 yards after facing third-and-4. The drive ends with three plays for a net loss of 14 yards for Minnesota.

New Mexico cuts deficit with kickoff return, 2-point conversion

We’ve got a tied game in Phoenix! Damon Bankston delivers the quick score for New Mexico with a 100-yard kickoff return, and then Jack Layne connects with Keagan Johnson for the 2-point conversion pass to tie it at 14-14. It’s the second kickoff return touchdown for Bankston this season.

What a sequence of events in the Rate Bowl in the last minute!

Here’s a look at Bankston’s return:

Here’s a look at the successful 2-point conversion attempt:

Darius Taylor extends Minnesota lead

Darius Taylor breaks a tackle and finds the end zone for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. Taylor’s score extends Minnesota’s lead to eight points at 14-6 with 13:30 remaining in the fourth quarter.

It’s a well-balanced drive put together by Minnesota, as the Gophers found success on the ground and in the air during their 12-play drive that went 80 yards and took 6:37 off the game clock. Minnesota’s change to relying on its run game more in the second half has given New Mexico’s defense trouble.

End of third quarter: Minnesota 7, New Mexico 6

Minnesota is 15 minutes away from securing its ninth consecutive bowl win, as it takes a 7-6 lead over New Mexico into the fourth quarter at the Rate Bowl in Arizona. Darius Taylor picked up 3 yards on a carry to end the third quarter, giving the Gophers a first down at the New Mexico 12-yard line.

Neither team was able to score in the third quarter.

New Mexico punts

Karter Menz bats down Jack Layne’s pass attempt on third-and-8, and New Mexico is forced to send out the punt unit. The Lobos will now look to their defense to get another stop and hold the score at 7-6 in favor of Minnesota, as New Mexico’s offense tries to find some rhythm and consistency.

Minnesota punts

An 11-play drive to open up the second half for Minnesota results in a punt. The Gophers were unable to recover from Dimitri Johnson’s 7-yard sack on Drake Lindsey. It’s a nice response by the New Mexico defense, who hands the ball back to its offense trailing 7-6 with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter.

New Mexico sacks Drake Lindsey

Dimitri Johnson finds the hole and gets to Drake Lindsey for the 7-yard sack. It’s the first sack of the afternoon for the Lobos defense and creates a second-and-long for the Gophers.

Minnesota moving on offense

Drake Lindsey hits Jalen Smith near the sideline for a 17-yard catch on third-and-5 to pick up the first down. The play moves the Gophers into plus territory at the New Mexico 42-yard line. Minnesota is now 4-of-7 on third-down conversion attempts.

End of first half: Minnesota 7, New Mexico 6

Minnesota takes a 7-6 lead into halftime at the Rate Bowl against New Mexico after the Lobos were unable to get a scoring drive together to respond to Drake Lindsey’s touchdown pass to Jalen Smith. The Golden Gophers’ defense had a monster first half, as it recorded six tackles for a loss, four sacks and a turnover in the first 30 minutes of action.

New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne finished 12-of-16 passing for 67 yards and an interception in the first half, while Lindsey was 6 of 12 passing for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Drake Lindsey throws TD pass

Minnesota has some life, as Drake Lindsey finds Jalen Smith in the back left corner of the end zone for the 10-yard touchdown. It’s a well-placed ball by Lindsey and a great route and catch made by Smith, who gets his first receiving touchdown since Week 5 against Rutgers.

The scoring drive was nine plays for 75 yards and took 4:21 off the game clock. Minnesota now leads New Mexico 7-6 with less than two minutes to go until halftime.

Darius Taylor breaks off big run

On a night where Minnesota hasn’t had much going for it offensively, Darius Taylor breaks off a 38-yard run down near the New Mexico 35-yard line. This might be the Gophers’ biggest scoring opportunity yet of the Rate Bowl.

New Mexico kicks field goal

Luke Drzewiecki kicks a 29-yard field goal to extend the Lobos’ lead to 6-0 with 7:29 remaining in the first half. New Mexico capitalizes on the Minnesota turnover, even converting its own fourth-down attempt, to score the field goal.

Minnesota turns it over

The Gophers, trying to capitalize on the turnover, attempt to go for it on fourth down in their own territory. However, they bobble the ball and it’s recovered in Gophers territory.

John Nestor intercepts New Mexico

There’s a heads-up play by Minnesota defensive back John Nestor, who makes the heads-up play to make the interception across the sideline and give Minnesota possession back in its own territory.

End of first quarter: New Mexico 3, Minnesota 0

Jack Layne connects with Keagan Johnson on a quick pass as time expires in the first quarter to pick up the first down. Layne completed 5-of-6 passes for 35 yards in the first quarter, while New Mexico outnumbers Minnesota 77-18 in total yards of offense in the frame.

With a 3-0 lead, New Mexico will start the second half knocking on the door of moving into plus territory.

Minnesota punts

It’s a three-and-out for Minnesota on its second drive of the night, and the Golden Gophers send out the punt unit. New Mexico’s defense held Minnesota’s offense to just 1 yard of total offense on the drive.

The Lobos take over at their own 35-yard line after a 15-yard kick catch interference penalty was called against the Golden Gophers.

New Mexico takes lead with field goal

New Mexico settles for the 31-yard field goal from Luke Drzewiecki to take the early lead against Minnesota. It’s a disappointing end to a well-constructed and executed drive by the Lobos, as New Mexico quarterbacks James Laubstein and Jack Layne took 6- and-8-yard sacks after DJ McKinney got down to the 1-yard line.

The scoring drive was 15 plays for 66 yards and took 8:35 off the game clock.

Minnesota, New Mexico exchange punts

Both teams exchange punts on their first, as New Mexico breaks up Drake Lindsey’s intended pass to Cam Davis on a third-and-6 pass. The Lobos nearly had a takeaway on the play, but safety Drew Speech couldn’t hold onto the ball.

Minnesota catches two breaks on the drive, as the Golden Gophers had a fumble recovery by the Lobos overturned into an incomplete pass deep on the second play of the drive, on top of that near interception from Speech.

Minnesota sacks Jack Layne

Maverick Baranowski delivers a loud statement on the first play of the Rate Bowl with a 10-yard sack on New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne. The Golden Gophers rank second in the Big Ten in sacks this season, with 35.

Pregame

Brian Urlacher at Rate Bowl

Former New Mexico linebacker Brian Urlacher is in attendance for the Rate Bowl against Minnesota. Urlacher went No. 9 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears after a decorated career with the Lobos. In his senior season, Urlacher was named the 1999 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year after leading the league in tackles (154), forced fumbles (five) and fumble recoveries (three).

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Minnesota football bowl record

Minnesota brings a 13-12 record in bowl games into Friday’s Rate Bowl against New Mexico. The Golden Gophers are currently on an eight-game win streak in bowl contests, which is the longest active streak in the country and tied for the fourth longest in FBS history.

Minnesota is 6-0 in bowl games under P.J. Fleck, winning the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl, 2020 Outback Bowl, 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, 2023 Quick Lane Bowl and 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

New Mexico uniform for Rate Bowl revealed

New Mexico will wear its alternate ‘United in Turquoise’ uniform for Friday’s bowl game against Minnesota. The alternate uniform is a replica of the uniforms the team wore from 1973 through 1979.

Minnesota availability report vs New Mexico in Rate Bowl

Minnesota defensive back Garrison Monroe and offensive lineman Daniel Shipp are questionable for Friday’s Rate Bowl against New Mexico, according to Minnesota’s availability report. Here’s the full availability report for Minnesota against New Mexico:

Minnesota uniform for Rate Bowl revealed

Minnesota will rock its home uniforms for Friday’s bowl game against New Mexico. The Golden Gophers will wear their maroon tops with gold piping.

Why is New Mexico football playing in the Rate Bowl?

How did a team from the Mountain West, like New Mexico, get sent to the Rate Bowl when the bowl game is traditionally a Big 12-vs.-Big Ten matchup?

It’s a rather straightforward answer: Iowa State opted out of bowl game participation due to a coaching change as Matt Campbell left to take the Penn State job. Because of that, the Big 12 did not have a team to send to the Rate Bowl.

What channel is New Mexico vs Minnesota on today?

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Livestream:Fubo (free trial)

New Mexico and Minnesota will broadcast nationally on ESPN for the Rate Bowl. Mike Monaco and Kirk Morrison will call the game from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona with Dawn Davenport reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include Watch ESPN and Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

New Mexico vs Minnesota time today

• Date: Friday, Dec. 26
• Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT)

The New Mexico vs Minnesota game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local time) from Chase Field in Phoenix.

Stream New Mexico vs Minnesota with Fubo (free trial)

New Mexico vs Minnesota predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Dec. 21

• Spread: Minnesota -2.5
• Over/under: 44.5
• Moneyline: Minnesota (-130) | New Mexico (+110)

Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Rate Bowl:

• Matt Hayes: Minnesota
• Jordan Mendoza: New Mexico
• Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
• Erick Smith: Minnesota
• Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
• Blake Toppmeyer: Minnesota

New Mexico football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at New Mexico’s football schedule in 2025:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 14 Michigan 34, New Mexico 17
• Saturday, Sept. 7: New Mexico 32, Idaho State 22
• Friday, Sept. 12: New Mexico 35, UCLA 10
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: New Mexico 37, New Mexico State 20
• Friday, Oct. 3: San Jose State 35, New Mexico 28 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Boise State 41, New Mexico 35 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: New Mexico 24, Nevada 22 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: New Mexico 33, Utah State 14 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: New Mexico 40, UNLV 35 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: New Mexico 20, Colorado State 17 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: New Mexico 20, Air Force 3 *
• Friday, Nov. 28: New Mexico 23, San Diego State 17 (2OT) *
• Friday, Dec. 26: vs. Minnesota | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)

* Denotes Mountain West game

** Denotes Rate Bowl

Minnesota football schedule 2025

• Thursday, Aug. 28: Minnesota 23, Buffalo 10
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Minnesota 66, Northwestern State 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Cal 27, Minnesota 14
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Minnesota 31, Rutgers 28 *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 1 Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Minnesota 27, Purdue 20 *
• Friday, Oct. 17: Minnesota 24, No. 25 Nebraska 6 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: Iowa 41, Minnesota 3 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Minnesota 23, Michigan State 20 (OT) *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Friday, Nov. 14: No. 8 Oregon 42, Minnesota 13 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Northwestern 38, Minnesota 25 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Minnesota 17, Wisconsin 7 *
• Friday, Dec. 26: vs. New Mexico | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo) **

* Denotes Big Ten game

** Denotes Rate Bowl

Michigan has finalized a deal to hire Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to be its next head football coach, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Detroit Free Press. The person told the Free Press on condition of anonymity because the hiring is not official.

The school’s deal with Whittingham, 66, will be for five years, according to a report from ESPN and confirmed by the Free Press.

The caps a relatively quick search that began after former coach Sherrone Moore was fired with cause earlier this month.

After 21 years leading Utah, Whittingham announced Dec. 12 he was stepping down as Utes coach after the Dec. 31 Las Vegas Bowl.

He has gone 177-88 in his two decades in Salt Lake City after taking over the job after Urban Meyer left for Florida. A Brigham Young grad, Whittingham has spent his entire career coaching out West beyond the Continental Divide but would be a capable pair of hands to guide the Michigan program out of this mess.

Whittingham projects as a safe, transitional choice who’d keep the floor respectable at Michigan, while acknowledging the ceiling would stop short of the Big Ten’s top floor.

Whittingham led the Utes in three different conferences (Mountain West, Pac-12 and Big 12) and proved to be a consistent winner. He won the Mountain West once (2008) and the Pac-12 twice (2021 and 2022)

He last coached somewhere other than Utah in 1993, when he was Idaho State’s defensive coordinator. His place in Utah history is secure, but his bruised record against ranked opponents raises question whether he’d achieve at the level Michigan craves.

Whittingham represents a notable break from the school’s traditional football hires.

Since Bo Schembechler retired in 1990, five of the seven Michigan head coach have had previous ties to the program, including a former player in Jim Harbaugh and former assistant coaches such as Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, Brady Hoke and Moore.

The only other exterior hire during this span was Rich Rodriguez, who went 15-22 from 2008-10.

Harbaugh won on the field, including a national championship in 2023, but the end of his tenure was also marred by two NCAA investigations that led to him being suspended twice, receiving two show-cause penalties that run through 2038 and the school being sanctioned with a $30 million fine.

Moore was also suspended twice during his time at Michigan. A one-game suspension for his role in recruiting violations was served when he was an assistant in 2023. Moore was also implicated in the school’s signing-sealing operation. He served two of a three-game suspension in 2025 and was due to miss the team’s opener in 2026 before his firing. He also received a two-year show-cause penalty.

Michigan announced Moore’s firing Dec. 10 after it said the coach engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.

The first of three college football bowl games that will be played inside MLB Ballparks on the holiday weekend begins in The Valley with the Rate Bowl at Chase Field between two teams that have exceeded expectations in their respective conference.

It’ll be Minnesota and New Mexico meeting on the baseball diamond in the Rate Bowl, which traditionally features a Big Ten-Big 12 matchup, but with Iowa State opting out of the bowl season, the Mountain West’s Lobos were sent to the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks to play the Golden Gophers instead.

The Golden Gophers and the Lobos are set for a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Watch New Mexico vs Minnesota in the Rate Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

The Gophers are led by quarterback Drake Lindsey and edge rusher Anthony Smith, the latter of whom was named to the All-Big Ten First Team after recording 10.5 sacks this season. Minnesota is looking to extend its nation leading active-bowl win streak to nine consecutive games with a win on Friday.

The Lobos went 9-3 in the regular season under first-year coach Jason Eck, giving New Mexico its first season with at least nine wins for the first time since 2016. Jaxton Eck is a player that Minnesota will have to contain and limit on Friday, as he has racked up 126 total tackles (6.5 for a loss), 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season for the Lobos.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing live updates from the game. Follow along.

New Mexico vs Minnesota score

New Mexico vs Minnesota live updates

This section has been updated with new information

Third quarter: Minnesota 7, New Mexico 6

New Mexico punts

Karter Menz bats down Jack Layne’s pass attempt on third-and-8, and New Mexico is forced to send out the punt unit. The Lobos will now look to their defense to get another stop and hold the score at 7-6 in favor of Minnesota, as New Mexico’s offense tries to find some rhythm and consistency.

Minnesota punts

An 11-play drive to open up the second half for Minnesota results in a punt. The Gophers were unable to recover from Dimitri Johnson’s 7-yard sack on Drake Lindsey. It’s a nice response by the New Mexico defense, who hands the ball back to its offense trailing 7-6 with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter.

New Mexico sacks Drake Lindsey

Dimitri Johnson finds the hole and gets to Drake Lindsey for the 7-yard sack. It’s the first sack of the afternoon for the Lobos defense and creates a second-and-long for the Gophers.

Minnesota moving on offense

Drake Lindsey hits Jalen Smith near the sideline for a 17-yard catch on third-and-5 to pick up the first down. The play moves the Gophers into plus territory at the New Mexico 42-yard line. Minnesota is now 4-of-7 on third-down conversion attempts.

End of first half: Minnesota 7, New Mexico 6

Minnesota takes a 7-6 lead into halftime at the Rate Bowl against New Mexico after the Lobos were unable to get a scoring drive together to respond to Drake Lindsey’s touchdown pass to Jalen Smith. The Golden Gophers’ defense had a monster first half, as it recorded six tackles for a loss, four sacks and a turnover in the first 30 minutes of action.

New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne finished 12-of-16 passing for 67 yards and an interception in the first half, while Lindsey was 6 of 12 passing for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Drake Lindsey throws TD pass

Minnesota has some life, as Drake Lindsey finds Jalen Smith in the back left corner of the end zone for the 10-yard touchdown. It’s a well-placed ball by Lindsey and a great route and catch made by Smith, who gets his first receiving touchdown since Week 5 against Rutgers.

The scoring drive was nine plays for 75 yards and took 4:21 off the game clock. Minnesota now leads New Mexico 7-6 with less than two minutes to go until halftime.

Darius Taylor breaks off big run

On a night where Minnesota hasn’t had much going for it offensively, Darius Taylor breaks off a 38-yard run down near the New Mexico 35-yard line. This might be the Gophers’ biggest scoring opportunity yet of the Rate Bowl.

New Mexico kicks field goal

Luke Drzewiecki kicks a 29-yard field goal to extend the Lobos’ lead to 6-0 with 7:29 remaining in the first half. New Mexico capitalizes on the Minnesota turnover, even converting its own fourth-down attempt, to score the field goal.

Minnesota turns it over

The Gophers, trying to capitalize on the turnover, attempt to go for it on fourth down in their own territory. However, they bobble the ball and it’s recovered in Gophers territory.

John Nestor intercepts New Mexico

There’s a heads-up play by Minnesota defensive back John Nestor, who makes the heads-up play to make the interception across the sideline and give Minnesota possession back in its own territory.

End of first quarter: New Mexico 3, Minnesota 0

Jack Layne connects with Keagan Johnson on a quick pass as time expires in the first quarter to pick up the first down. Layne completed 5-of-6 passes for 35 yards in the first quarter, while New Mexico outnumbers Minnesota 77-18 in total yards of offense in the frame.

With a 3-0 lead, New Mexico will start the second half knocking on the door of moving into plus territory.

Minnesota punts

It’s a three-and-out for Minnesota on its second drive of the night, and the Golden Gophers send out the punt unit. New Mexico’s defense held Minnesota’s offense to just 1 yard of total offense on the drive.

The Lobos take over at their own 35-yard line after a 15-yard kick catch interference penalty was called against the Golden Gophers.

New Mexico takes lead with field goal

New Mexico settles for the 31-yard field goal from Luke Drzewiecki to take the early lead against Minnesota. It’s a disappointing end to a well-constructed and executed drive by the Lobos, as New Mexico quarterbacks James Laubstein and Jack Layne took 6- and-8-yard sacks after DJ McKinney got down to the 1-yard line.

The scoring drive was 15 plays for 66 yards and took 8:35 off the game clock.

Minnesota, New Mexico exchange punts

Both teams exchange punts on their first, as New Mexico breaks up Drake Lindsey’s intended pass to Cam Davis on a third-and-6 pass. The Lobos nearly had a takeaway on the play, but safety Drew Speech couldn’t hold onto the ball.

Minnesota catches two breaks on the drive, as the Golden Gophers had a fumble recovery by the Lobos overturned into an incomplete pass deep on the second play of the drive, on top of that near interception from Speech.

Minnesota sacks Jack Layne

Maverick Baranowski delivers a loud statement on the first play of the Rate Bowl with a 10-yard sack on New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne. The Golden Gophers rank second in the Big Ten in sacks this season, with 35.

Pregame

Brian Urlacher at Rate Bowl

Former New Mexico linebacker Brian Urlacher is in attendance for the Rate Bowl against Minnesota. Urlacher went No. 9 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears after a decorated career with the Lobos. In his senior season, Urlacher was named the 1999 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year after leading the league in tackles (154), forced fumbles (five) and fumble recoveries (three).

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Minnesota football bowl record

Minnesota brings a 13-12 record in bowl games into Friday’s Rate Bowl against New Mexico. The Golden Gophers are currently on an eight-game win streak in bowl contests, which is the longest active streak in the country and tied for the fourth longest in FBS history.

Minnesota is 6-0 in bowl games under P.J. Fleck, winning the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl, 2020 Outback Bowl, 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, 2022 Pinstripe Bowl, 2023 Quick Lane Bowl and 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

New Mexico uniform for Rate Bowl revealed

New Mexico will wear its alternate ‘United in Turquoise’ uniform for Friday’s bowl game against Minnesota. The alternate uniform is a replica of the uniforms the team wore from 1973 through 1979.

Minnesota availability report vs New Mexico in Rate Bowl

Minnesota defensive back Garrison Monroe and offensive lineman Daniel Shipp are questionable for Friday’s Rate Bowl against New Mexico, according to Minnesota’s availability report. Here’s the full availability report for Minnesota against New Mexico:

Minnesota uniform for Rate Bowl revealed

Minnesota will rock its home uniforms for Friday’s bowl game against New Mexico. The Golden Gophers will wear their maroon tops with gold piping.

Why is New Mexico football playing in the Rate Bowl?

How did a team from the Mountain West, like New Mexico, get sent to the Rate Bowl when the bowl game is traditionally a Big 12-vs.-Big Ten matchup?

It’s a rather straightforward answer: Iowa State opted out of bowl game participation due to a coaching change as Matt Campbell left to take the Penn State job. Because of that, the Big 12 did not have a team to send to the Rate Bowl.

What channel is New Mexico vs Minnesota on today?

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Livestream:Fubo (free trial)

New Mexico and Minnesota will broadcast nationally on ESPN for the Rate Bowl. Mike Monaco and Kirk Morrison will call the game from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona with Dawn Davenport reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include Watch ESPN and Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

New Mexico vs Minnesota time today

• Date: Friday, Dec. 26
• Start time: 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. MT)

The New Mexico vs Minnesota game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. local time) from Chase Field in Phoenix.

Stream New Mexico vs Minnesota with Fubo (free trial)

New Mexico vs Minnesota predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Tuesday, Dec. 21

• Spread: Minnesota -2.5
• Over/under: 44.5
• Moneyline: Minnesota (-130) | New Mexico (+110)

Here’s who experts within the USA TODAY Sports Network picked to win the Rate Bowl:

• Matt Hayes: Minnesota
• Jordan Mendoza: New Mexico
• Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
• Erick Smith: Minnesota
• Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
• Blake Toppmeyer: Minnesota

New Mexico football schedule 2025

Here’s a look at New Mexico’s football schedule in 2025:

• Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 14 Michigan 34, New Mexico 17
• Saturday, Sept. 7: New Mexico 32, Idaho State 22
• Friday, Sept. 12: New Mexico 35, UCLA 10
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: New Mexico 37, New Mexico State 20
• Friday, Oct. 3: San Jose State 35, New Mexico 28 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Boise State 41, New Mexico 35 *
• Saturday, Oct. 18: New Mexico 24, Nevada 22 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: New Mexico 33, Utah State 14 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: New Mexico 40, UNLV 35 *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 15: New Mexico 20, Colorado State 17 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: New Mexico 20, Air Force 3 *
• Friday, Nov. 28: New Mexico 23, San Diego State 17 (2OT) *
• Friday, Dec. 26: vs. Minnesota | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo)

* Denotes Mountain West game

** Denotes Rate Bowl

Minnesota football schedule 2025

• Thursday, Aug. 28: Minnesota 23, Buffalo 10
• Saturday, Sept. 7: Minnesota 66, Northwestern State 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Cal 27, Minnesota 14
• Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
• Saturday, Sept. 27: Minnesota 31, Rutgers 28 *
• Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 1 Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3 *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: Minnesota 27, Purdue 20 *
• Friday, Oct. 17: Minnesota 24, No. 25 Nebraska 6 *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: Iowa 41, Minnesota 3 *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: Minnesota 23, Michigan State 20 (OT) *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
• Friday, Nov. 14: No. 8 Oregon 42, Minnesota 13 *
• Saturday, Nov. 22: Northwestern 38, Minnesota 25 *
• Saturday, Nov. 29: Minnesota 17, Wisconsin 7 *
• Friday, Dec. 26: vs. New Mexico | 4:30 p.m. ET | ESPN (Fubo) **

* Denotes Big Ten game

** Denotes Rate Bowl

Travis Kelce’s NFL future has been a hot topic this season – especially after the Kansas City Chiefs were knocked out of playoff contention.

Thursday’s Christmas night contest against the Denver Broncos marked the Chiefs’ last home game of the 2025 season. But was it also the last home game of Kelce’s career?

The Chiefs star largely dodged the topic.

Asked if the game carried any extra emotions, Kelce replied ‘Yeah, it’s a Christmas game, baby.’

‘There’s a whole lot of emotions, man,’ Kelce said. ‘Have everybody in the world watching ya. Get to go out there with a guy, a young guy like Chris Oladokun. Prime-time television. Excited for him, excited for the guys around us. A lot of young guys getting opportunities to taste what this NFL life on a big stage feels like, and I just wanted to get out there and get a win for those guys, man.’

Pressed further on the topic, Kelce joked the only time he thought about the possibility of this being his final home game came when he was ‘driving in the other day and I saw how much the Powerball was.’

‘I was like, ‘Man, if I could just win that. I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life,’ ‘ Kelce said.

He added he’s ‘just been focused on trying to win football games, man.’

‘I’ll let that (retirement) be a decision that I make with my family, friends, the Chiefs organization, when the time comes,’ Kelce said.

Watch Travis Kelce walk off field

Kelce received enormous cheers as he walked off the field at Arrowhead Stadium following the Chiefs’ 20-13 loss to the Broncos. His fiancée, Taylor Swift, and his mother Donna were both in attendance.

After a much-publicized firing of its football coach and ensuing search for his replacement, Michigan seems to have found who next to lead its program.

The Wolverines are finalizing a deal to bring longtime Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham to Ann Arbor to replace Sherrone Moore, who was fired on Dec. 10 and subsequently charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering on Dec. 12 — the same day Whittingham abruptly announced he was stepping down from Utah after 21 seasons leading the program.

The timing works well for Michigan, not only in the fact a well-established coach became available to lead the program following Moore’s firing, but also in that the Wolverines can minimize the damage that may be done via the transfer portal.

NCAA rules allow players of teams to enter their names into the transfer portal five days after a new coach is hired. If Michigan were to officially announce the hiring on Friday, Dec. 26, Michigan players could enter their names into the portal on Dec. 31 — only two days before the 15-day portal opens for the rest of the country on Jan. 2.

Early reports indicate that Whittingham may also be in Orlando for Michigan’s Citrus Bowl matchup vs. Texas, which kicks off a half-hour before Utah and Nebraska face off in the Las Vegas Bowl. It is unclear whether Whittingham will finish the season with the Utes or, potentially, get a head start getting to know his new team.

Here is how social media is reacting to the news Michigan is finalizing a deal to hire Whittingham:

Kyle Whittingham to Michigan: Social media reacts

Thanks to the Denver Broncos holding on for a win over Kansas City on Christmas, the New England Patriots need a win over the New York Jets in Week 17 to still have a chance at the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

New England’s 10-game winning streak came to an end in Week 15 with a 35-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills. They responded with a win over the Baltimore Ravens in prime time last week to keep pace with the Broncos atop the AFC.

The Patriots won their first matchup with the Jets: a 27-14 victory on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 11. New England’s win came thanks to three touchdowns from electric rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson.

Henderson, the team’s second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, leads the Patriots in scrimmage yards (997) and touchdowns (eight) through 16 games. This comes even after he missed most of the Patriots’ win over the Ravens due to a concussion.

Will Henderson play in Week 17? Here’s the latest update.

Is TreVeyon Henderson playing this week?

Henderson was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday as he makes his way through concussion protocol. He was on the field for practice again Friday but he was not wearing a red non-contact jersey, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

That is a very promising sign for his status in Week 17 against the Jets. He had not been officially ruled out as of Friday afternoon.

Concussion protocol timelines are different depending on the player. Some players have cleared the league’s five-step protocol in a week while others have taken longer. Henderson playing on Sunday would not be a shock.

Patriots RB depth chart

If Henderson is unable to start, the team will likely rely on veteran Rhamondre Stevenson to take the bulk of the carries against New York. He led the team in rushing in 2022 and 2024.

Here’s a full view of the depth chart:

• TreVeyon Henderson (injured – concussion)
• Rhamondre Stevenson
• D’Ernest Johnson
• Jashaun Corbin (injured reserve – designated for return)
• Deneric Prince (injured reserve)
• Antonio Gibson (injured reserve)
• Terrell Jennings (injured resere)
• Lan Larison (injured reserve)

We’re all about informing here at Bowl Game Central. So we feel we should let you in on a key piece of knowledge related to the holiday season. Boxing Day, contrary to popular belief, has nothing to do with pugilism. Shocking, I know. In truth, it’s all about football.

Well, OK, that’s probably only the case in the United States. But if you like the college game, you have a trio of contests to help you pass the time. The Friday bowl lineup begins in the Motor City, winds up in ‘Big D’, and features a stop in the desert in between. Here are the particulars.

GameAbove Sports Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Northwestern

Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN in Detroit

Why watch: Kicking off the busy bowl weekend is this regional clash in the Motor City. The Chippewas, led by first-year coach Matt Drinkall, are bowling for the first time since 2021, but the Wildcats are likely just as happy to be here after pulling out a close contest with Minnesota late in the campaign to get to six wins. Central Michigan has numerous options at QB but generally goes with Joe Labas when travel by air is required. RB Nahree Biggins is utilized frequently, and he figures to have regular encounters with Wildcats DB Robert Fitzgerald and LB Mac Uihlein. Northwestern QB Preston Stone is at his best when RB Caleb Komolafe also has room to operate. Chippewas LB Jordan Kwiatkowski will try to make sure he doesn’t.

Why it could disappoint: This will probably be a line-of-scrimmage type of game with limited explosive plays. That would theoretically work in the Big Ten team’s favor, but the Wildcats will still have to finish their drives.

Rate Bowl: Minnesota vs. New Mexico

Time/TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN in Phoenix.

Why watch: The Golden Gophers and Lobos meet for the first time on the gridiron. The destination is closer for New Mexico fans, but there should be a number of snowbirds from the Twin Cities on hand as well. Minnesota was unbeaten at home and winless on the road, but the Gophers have also won their last eight bowl games. QB Drake Lindsey and RB Darius Taylor drive the offense. The Lobos come in riding a six-game winning streak, though tiebreakers kept them from playing for the Mountain West championship. QB Jack Layne’s playbook frequently features RB Damon Bankston, but WR Keagan Johnson and TE Dorian Thomas are also well utilized.

Why it could disappoint: It honestly shouldn’t. The Lobos didn’t blow anyone out during their season-ending string of victories, but they won’t be intimidated by Big Ten competition.

First Responder Bowl: Florida International vs. Texas-San Antonio

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN in Dallas.

Why watch: The Friday nightcap reunites opponents with some recent history. The Roadrunners and Panthers split four prior meetings, all taking place since 2014. FIU enters on a four-game winning streak. QB Keyone Jenkins has taken over the offense, making excellent use of RB Kejon Owens and WR Alex Perry. UTSA’s season in the American has been a mixed bag, including a decisive win against eventual champ Tulane but blowout losses to North Texas and South Florida. QB Owen McCown spread the ball among a deep array of pass catchers, and RBs Robert Henry and Will Henderson lend plenty of ground help.

Why it could disappoint: The American was a deeper conference overall, but the Roadrunners were in the middle of the pack and probably won’t have an appreciable roster advantage against the Golden Panthers.

Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL’s ever-evolving playoff picture – typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we’ll be watching then, too).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here’s where things stand with Week 17 underway:

AFC playoff picture

x − 1. Denver Broncos (13-3), AFC West leaders: After surviving the Chiefs on Christmas night, win in Week 18, and Denver gets the top seed … and might even have it by Sunday. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers

x − 2. New England Patriots (12-3), AFC East leaders: Officially headed to the playoffs, the Pats are also still in driver’s seat to win AFC East and just a tiebreaker (common games) of sitting atop the conference. Remaining schedule: at Jets, vs. Dolphins.

x − 3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4), AFC South leaders: They won their seventh straight Sunday with an impressive win over Denver. The Colts’ loss Monday stamped the Jags’ playoff invite. Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, at Titans

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6), AFC North leaders: Their win Sunday in Motown clinched spots in the NFC field for the Bears and 49ers. No matter what else happens over the next two games, sweep the Ravens, and Pittsburgh secures the division. A win Sunday in Cleveland will also sew up the division … if the Ravens don’t do it first by losing. Remaining schedule: at Browns, vs. Ravens

x − 5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4), wild card No. 1: The Bolts have now won seven of eight, and Indy’s Monday night loss put them in the playoffs for the second straight year. A half-game advantage in AFC games (8-2) keeps them ahead of Buffalo. Win out, and the Chargers win the AFC West … and maybe more. Remaining schedule: vs. Texans, at Broncos

x − 6. Buffalo Bills (11-4), wild card No. 2: Still alive to win their sixth straight AFC East crown, the Bills were guaranteed at least their playoff shot with the Colts’ loss Monday. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Houston Texans (10-5), wild card No. 3: They’ve won eight of nine, including seven in a row, but haven’t been able to overtake similarly surging Jacksonville yet for the top spot in the AFC South. Remaining schedule: at Chargers, vs. Colts

8. Indianapolis Colts (8-7), in the hunt: Now in the hands of 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, who hasn’t been able to engineer a win despite two valiant attempts, their 7-1 start seems like ancient history. One more loss or Houston win eliminates Indy. Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Texans

9. Baltimore Ravens (7-8), in the hunt: They lost control of their playoff path with Sunday night’s loss to New England and can be eliminated this weekend by a loss or Pittsburgh win. Remaining schedule: at Packers, at Steelers

NFC playoff picture

x − 1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3), NFC West leaders: Splitting their season series with the Rams in Week 16’s classic means they’ll wind up with the No. 1 seed if they win their final two games. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at 49ers

x − 2. Chicago Bears (11-4), NFC North leaders: A remarkable overtime win against Green Bay on Saturday night helped them clinch a playoff berth − cemented by Detroit’s loss Sunday. Chicago is also still in play for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and will win the division with one more win or Packers loss. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Lions

y – 3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5), NFC East champions: With Saturday’s defeat of Washington, they became the first team this season to wrap up a division − and the first to win this division in successive years since they last did it 21 years ago. Philly’s victory also officially knocked the hated Cowboys out of playoff contention. Remaining schedule: at Bills, vs. Commanders

4. Carolina Panthers (8-7), NFC South leaders: Their defeat of the Bucs on Sunday moved them into first place. They can win the division Sunday with a win and Tampa Bay loss. A Week 18 defeat of the Buccaneers would also do the job regardless of circumstances. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers

x − 5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4), wild card No. 1: Win out, which would entail completing a season sweep of Seattle on the final weekend of the regular season, and the Niners would get the No. 1 seed. Continue winning, and they won’t leave their stadium again this season − which would mean playing Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium. A 4-1 record in NFC West games moved them ahead of the Rams on Monday. Remaining schedule: vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks

x − 6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4), wild card No. 2: They became the first team to clinch a playoff spot but lost the inside track for home-field advantage and a first-round bye after failing to sweep Seattle. Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

x − 7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1), wild card No. 3: The Lions’ Christmas night loss locked the battered Pack into the field and gives them the option of resting injured starters like QB Jordan Love and RB Josh Jacobs on Saturday night against Baltimore. Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Vikings

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8), in the hunt: (Their record is actually worse than the Vikings, Lions and Cowboys in the overall NFC standings, hence the 11th place designation.) Week 16’s loss in Charlotte was Tampa Bay’s sixth in its last seven outings. But win their last two games, and the Bucs will retain the NFC South crown by a one-game margin in the common-games tiebreaker over Carolina (assuming the Panthers also finish 9-8 overall). Beating Miami ensures Buccaneers will play for the division in Week 18. Lose in South Florida, and they could be finished. Remaining schedule: at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 17

Denver clinches AFC West and AFC’s No. 1 seed with:

Chargers loss or tie + Patriots loss + Bills loss or tie + Jaguars loss or tie

Denver clinches AFC West with:

Chargers loss or tie

Jacksonville clinches AFC South with:

1. Win + Texans loss or tie OR
2. Tie + Texans loss

New England clinches AFC East with:

1. Win + Bills loss or tie OR
2. Tie + Bills loss

Pittsburgh clinches AFC North with:

1. Win or tie OR
2. Ravens loss or tie

Houston clinches playoff berth with:

1. Win or tie OR
2. Colts loss or tie OR

Seattle clinches NFC West and NFC’s No. 1 seed with:

Win + Rams loss or tie + 49ers-Bears tie

Seattle clinches NFC West title with:

1. Win + Rams loss or tie + 49ers loss or tie OR
2. Tie + Rams loss + 49ers loss

Carolina clinches NFC South with:

1. Win + Buccaneers loss or tie OR
2. Tie + Buccaneers loss

Chicago clinches NFC North title with:

1. Win OR
2. Packers loss OR
3. Tie + Packers tie

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025

x – clinched playoff berth

y – clinched division

z – clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye